See how quick your hands are on the GUINNESS Power Pass

10 February 2009 09:53

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This season the makers of GUINNNESS®, are giving fans the chance to pit their rugby skills against the GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP captains and Directors of Rugby on a series of interactive games at the GUINNESS Festivals. GUINNESS is creating club-based rugby festivals to bolster the big match atmosphere at the key matches during the season.

The 12 club Directors of Rugby had their pass measured on the GUINNESS Power Pass and Gloucester's Dean Ryan registered a whopping 25.9 mph, beating Sale Sharks' Philippe St Andre in the GUINNESS Festivals Director of Rugby's Table.

The fifth GUINNESS Festival will take place at Kingsholm on Saturday 14th February 2009 against Sale Sharks so the fans should get into practice to see how they rate against their heroes.

Before checking out the match action, fans will have the chance to win prizes, test their rugby skills and enjoy a pint of the black stuff at the festival. There will be opportunities for visitors to test their reactions on the GUINNESS Rugby Reflex and see how quick their hands are on GUINNESS Power Pass. All scores from the challenges throughout the season will be added together to see which club is crowned 'GUINNESS Festival Champions'. Everyone taking part will also have the chance to get their hands on season tickets and other GUINNESS merchandise.

Lee Bailey, Sponsorship Manager from GUINNESS said:

"We know there are certain games throughout the season that people really look forward to. The GUINNESS Festivals will add to the atmosphere and enjoyment of these matches and, whatever the result on the pitch, they can enjoy a pint of the black stuff and test themselves against fans at other clubs and also the power and speed of GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP players."

Fly-half Billy Burns was named Man of the Match after the 35-14 European Rugby Challenge Cup victory over Stade Rochelais on Thursday evening, and was full of praise for all his team mates for the win after a short turnaround.

Gloucester have been in good form in recent weeks, but Backs Coach Tim Taylor knows that the Cherry and Whites will have to be at their best on Thursday evening (kick off 7:45pm) against a Stade Rochelais side flying high this season.

Speaking to GRTV after the bonus point win over Bristol, back row Lewis Ludlow revealed that despite a tricky first half, Gloucester backed their skills to come through, a faith that was evident in a strong second half showing.

Willi Heinz scored Gloucester's second try as the Cherry and Whites overturned a disappointing first 40 minutes and 0-6 half time deficit, to earn a 26-18 Aviva Premiership victory over Bristol Rugby on Saturday.

Gloucester's much changed side had to overcome conceding an early try on Thursday evening, but responded in style to down Stade Rochelais by 35 points to 14 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup and set up a mouthwatering return fixture next weekend.

After taking 11 points from their last three games in the Aviva Premiership, including bonus point wins against Wasps and Bristol, Gloucester will be looking to continue their good form when they welcome La Rochelle to Kingsholm.